BELLOWS FALLS – The 14th annual Roots on the River Music Festival promises to be an event to remember, as perennial headliner Fred Eaglesmith tips his hat to the four-day event for the last time. There will be moments of bitter as well as sweet. Roots 2013 will be held June 6 through 9 at a number of venues throughout the town, and will see the last appearance at the festival of headliner Fred Eaglesmith and his Traveling Steam Show. That is, of course, the bitter part.

The music itself is always the sweet part. The lineup this year begins on Thursday night at 33 Bridge Street with local favorites The Cold River Ranters, followed by Sean Rowe, and Girls, Guns, and Glory.

Friday, the music starts at noon in downtown Bellows Falls with performances on the Square. Look for Poor Old Shine, Bellows Falls’ own Milkhouse Heaters, After the Rodeo, and Skumm and Oats. Make your way to the Bellows Falls Farmers’ Market for performances by The Heather Maloney Band and Sam Creigh.

The evening will continue under the big tent at the Rodeway Inn with performances by Grant Peeples, Shelley King, and Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones.

Saturday’s memorable lineup includes: The Sea The Sea, Dan Weber, Roger Marin Band, David Wax Museum, Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers, The Steel Wheels, and Carolyn Mark. The evening will round out with the much-anticipated arrival of Eaglesmith and his Traveling Steam Show.

The weekend will wind down on Sunday at the Rockingham Meeting House with the ever-popular pairing of Eaglesmith with Mary Gauthier. The two artists have co-written songs and their duets in the old venue are always deeply moving. With Eaglesmith’s last bow, it promises to be even more poignant.

Following the traditional street hockey game, the Farewell Ball will be held at Café Loco at Harlow’s Farm with the Ray Mason Band.

The festival is smoke-free and family- and dog-friendly, with a specially-staffed children’s tent on the Saturday of the festival, and family-priced tickets.

For information and to purchase tickets go to www.vermontfestivalsllc.com.